'Merit-based' | New York Times defends hiring approach amid EEOC 'reverse discrimination' lawsuit

The EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) lawsuit against The New York Times is placing diversity hiring goals, internal employment policies, and the growing legal pressure facing organizations with public DEI commitments, in the spotlight.

The federal civil rights lawsuit alleges that a white male employee was denied advancement to a deputy real estate editor role in 2025. The case follows an investigation that began after an employee complaint filed with the EEOC in New York last year.

The complaint references diversity and inclusion reports published by the NYT, including a 2021 “Call to Action” focused on increasing the number of Black and Latino employees. It also references Slack exchanges among newsroom leaders regarding diversity hiring trends and internal correspondence connected to the hiring process.

The EEOC investigation examined whether representation goals influenced employment decisions tied to the Deputy Editor position. The complaint also argues that the complainant was more qualified than the successful candidate.